State Legislature

In this week's news roundup, another fire starts at the Vistra battery facility in Moss Landing, invasive beetles kill trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a large donation to Big Basin, and more.

The Monterey Bay region’s state senator authored 31 bills that passed during the 2025-26 legislative session. And, how a proposal to exclude undocumented immigrants from the 2030 census could affect California.

The Timber and Plaskett fires in Big Sur together have now burned more than 55,000 acres. And, lawmakers have sent two bills to the governor that aim to improve the recovery process after a wildfire.

Containment of the Plaskett Fire has reached 61% amid worsening air quality conditions in some places. And, a bill the governor’s desk would force government agencies to share information about emergency calls made from immigration detention centers.

Polling shows mixed support in Monterey County for two potential tax ballot measures. And, a healthcare nondiscrimination bill authored by Democratic Assembly Member Dawn Addis moves forward in Sacramento.

A UC Santa Cruz student film showcase on May 29 at 6 p.m. will highlight the experiences of people who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes. And, state lawmakers make progress toward regulating AI in workplaces.

Head Start programs will continue running in Santa Cruz County through the end of the month despite the government shutdown. And, a state bill was set to create the first farmland access program in California. Then it was vetoed.

In today's newscast, California lawmakers introduced a bill that would ban law enforcement face coverings and the City of Santa Cruz looks for ways to spur economic development. Plus, Santa Cruz has lost a long-time public servant and activist.

Earth day will bring out volunteers for beach clean ups this Sunday. The one thing they’ll likely be picking up the most is cigarette butts. It’s a fact…